What is Animal Assisted Therapy?

Animal Assisted Therapy is a general term often used to describe a pet interacting with a human in a way that provides comfort or another benefit. There are two levels at which therapy visits can be conducted: Animal Assisted Activities (AAA) and Animal Assisted Therapy (AAT).

AAA allows the handler and companion animal to make visits to a facility on a social level only. This is a very basic level or "beginners level" and does not involve the companion animal and handler to participate in any goal directed therapy. Depending on the facility and the members' preferences, visits can be conducted in small groups with their companion animals, or on a one to one basis.

In contrast, AAT utilizes a companion animal along with a handler and healthcare professional to administer goal directed treatment to a patient. Goal directed therapy requires that a treatment plan be constructed setting specific goals for the patient involving the companion animal.

Tails of Joy members make visits in the central and northeastern areas of Connecticut.

Sites being visited include:

Children's Facilities

Nursing Homes

Rehab Centers

School Systems for all students, including those with special needs

Private Visitations under the auspices of a providing agency, including hospice

Staff members in the health-care facilities we visit and family members of residents in these facilities have reported improvement in the residents' morale and communication after having us visit.